Incrementally-Stretched Thermoplastic Films With Enhanced Look and Feel and Methods for Making The Same

ABSTRACT

Methods of increasing the perceived thickness and strength of a thermoplastic film include incrementally stretching thermoplastic films in the machine direction. In one or more implementations, methods of incrementally stretching thermoplastic films include reducing the gauge of the films while increasing a loft of at least a portion of the film. The methods can involve cold stretching the films and imparting rib patterns and alternating peaks and valleys into the film. The linear ribs can have alternating thick and thin gauges.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to thermoplastic films.Specifically, the invention relates to stretched thermoplastic filmswith increased loft.

2. Background and Relevant Art

Thermoplastic films are a common component in various commercial andconsumer products. For example, grocery bags, trash bags, sacks, andpackaging materials are products that are commonly made fromthermoplastic films. Additionally, feminine hygiene products, babydiapers, adult incontinence products, and many other products includethermoplastic films to one extent or another.

The cost to produce products including thermoplastic film is directlyrelated to the cost of the thermoplastic film. Recently the cost ofthermoplastic materials has risen. In response, many attempt to controlmanufacturing costs by decreasing the amount of thermoplastic materialin a given product.

One way manufacturers may attempt to reduce production costs is tostretch the thermoplastic film, thereby increasing its surface area andreducing the amount of thermoplastic film needed to produce a product ofa given size. Common directions of stretching include “machinedirection” and “transverse direction” stretching. As used herein, theterm “machine direction” or “MD” refers to the direction along thelength of the film, or in other words, the direction of the film as thefilm is formed during extrusion and/or coating. As used herein, the term“transverse direction” or “TD” refers to the direction across the filmor perpendicular to the machine direction.

Common ways of stretching film in the machine direction include machinedirection orientation (“MDO”) and incremental stretching. MDO involvesstretching the film between pairs of smooth rollers. Commonly, MDOinvolves running a film through the nips of sequential pairs of smoothrollers. The first pair of rollers rotates at a speed less than that ofthe second pair of rollers. The difference in speed of rotation of thepairs of rollers can cause the film between the pairs of rollers tostretch. The ratio of the roller speeds will roughly determine theamount that the film is stretched. For example, if the first pair ofrollers is rotating at 100 feet per minute (“fpm”) and the second pairof rollers is rotating at 500 fpm, the rollers will stretch the film toroughly five times its original length. MDO stretches the filmcontinuously in the machine direction and is often used to create anoriented film.

To MDO a film, manufacturers commonly heat the film to an elevatedtemperature and stretch the film in the machine direction. Commonly,manufacturers will stretch the thermoplastic film between approximately300 to 500 percent of the film's original length or more.

Incremental stretching of thermoplastic film, on the other hand,typically involves running the film between grooved or toothed rollers.The grooves or teeth on the rollers intermesh and stretch the film asthe film passes between the rollers. Incremental stretching can stretcha film in many small increments that are evenly spaced across the film.The depth at which the intermeshing teeth engage can control the degreeof stretching. One type of incremental stretching is referred to as ringrolling.

Unfortunately, stretched or otherwise thinner thermoplastic films canhave undesirable properties. For example, thinner thermoplastic filmscan are typically more transparent or translucent. Additionally,consumers commonly associate thinner films with weakness. Such consumersmay feel that they are receiving less value for their money whenpurchasing products with thinner films; and thus, may be dissuaded topurchase thinner thermoplastic films. As such, manufacturers may bedissuaded to stretch a film or use thinner films despite the potentialmaterial savings.

Accordingly, there are a number of considerations to be made inthermoplastic films and manufacturing methods.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Implementations of the present invention solve one or more problems inthe art with apparatus and methods for creating films that appearthicker, and thus, stronger. In particular, one or more implementationsof the present invention include incrementally-stretched films thatinclude undulations and convolutions that extend out of plane of theinitial flat film. The undulations and convolutions can provide the filmwith one or more of increased loft, a perception of thickness, andimproved tactile feel. Additional implementations include bags includingsuch films and methods of incrementally stretching films in the machinedirection to create such films.

For example, one implementation of a machine-directionincrementally-stretched film with increased loft created by stretchingan un-stretched thermoplastic film can include a thermoplastic material.The machine-direction incrementally-stretched film can also include aribbed pattern including thick and thin linear ribs extending in thetransverse direction across the machine-directionincrementally-stretched film. At least the thin linear ribs can includea plurality of undulations extending generally in the transversedirection.

Additionally, one or more implementations of the present inventioninclude a thermoplastic bag that includes first and second opposingsidewalls. The first and second opposing sidewalls can be joinedtogether along a first side edge, an opposite second side edge, and abottom edge. The first and second sidewalls can be un-joined along atleast a portion of their respective top edges to define an opening. Thethermoplastic bag can further include a plurality of thick and thinlinear ribs in at least one of the first and second sidewalls. Thealternating thick and thin linear ribs can extend in the transversedirection. Also, the thermoplastic bag can include a plurality of peaksand valleys in the at least one of the first and second sidewalls. Theplurality of peaks and valleys can extend generally in the transversedirection.

In addition to the forgoing, a method of creating a film with one ormore of increased loft, a perception of thickness and/or strength, andimproved tactile feel can involve providing a film of a thermoplasticmaterial. The method can also involve cold stretching the filmincrementally in the machine direction by passing the film betweenintermeshing machine-direction ring rollers. Passing the film throughthe intermeshing machine-direction ring rollers can create a ribbedpattern including alternating thick and thin linear ribs extending inthe transverse direction across the film. Additionally, passing the filmthrough the intermeshing machine-direction ring rollers can furthercreate a plurality of peaks and valleys extending generally in thetransverse direction.

Additional features and advantages of exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention will be set forth in the description which follows,and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned bythe practice of such exemplary embodiments. The features and advantagesof such embodiments may be realized and obtained by means of theinstruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appendedclaims. These and other features will become more fully apparent fromthe following description and appended claims, or may be learned by thepractice of such exemplary embodiments as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and otheradvantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a moreparticular description of the invention briefly described above will berendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which areillustrated in the appended drawings. It should be noted that thefigures are not drawn to scale, and that elements of similar structureor function are generally represented by like reference numerals forillustrative purposes throughout the figures. Understanding that thesedrawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are nottherefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the inventionwill be described and explained with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a view of machine-direction incrementally-stretchedfilm with enhanced look and feel in accordance with one or moreimplementations of the present invention;

FIG. 1B illustrates a cross-sectional view of machine-directionincrementally-stretched film with enhanced look and feel of FIG. 1Ataken along the line 1B-1B of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C illustrates a cross-sectional view of another machine-directionincrementally-stretched film with enhanced look and feel similar to thatshown in FIG. 1B;

FIG. 1D illustrates a cross-sectional view of machine-directionincrementally-stretched film with enhanced look and feel of FIG. 1Ataken along the line 1C-1C of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A illustrates a schematic diagram of a thermoplastic film beingincrementally stretched in the machine direction in accordance with oneor more implementations of the present invention;

FIG. 2B illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the thermoplasticfilm passing through the MD intermeshing rollers of FIG. 2A taken alongthe circle 2B of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3 illustrates a view of another machine-directionincrementally-stretched film with enhanced look and feel in accordancewith one or more implementations of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a view of MD intermeshing rollers similar to thoseshown in FIG. 2B, albeit with flat ridges in accordance with one or moreimplementations of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a view of yet another machine-directionincrementally-stretched film with enhanced look and feel in accordancewith one or more implementations of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a bag incorporating a machine-directionincrementally-stretched film with enhanced look and feel in accordancewith one or more implementations of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates another bag incorporating a machine-directionincrementally-stretched film with enhanced look and feel in accordancewith one or more implementations of the present invention;

FIG. 8A illustrates yet another bag incorporating a machine-directionincrementally-stretched film with enhanced look and feel in accordancewith one or more implementations of the present invention;

FIG. 8B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the bag of FIG. 8A takenalong the line 8B-8B of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic diagram of a bag manufacturing process inaccordance with one or more implementations of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic diagram of another bag manufacturingprocess in accordance with one or more implementations of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic diagram of yet another bag manufacturingprocess in accordance with one or more implementations of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

One or more implementations of the present invention solve one or moreproblems in the art with apparatus and methods for creating films thatappear thicker, and thus, stronger. In particular, one or moreimplementations of the present invention include incrementally-stretchedfilms that include undulations and convolutions that extend out of planeof the initial flat film. The undulations and convolutions can providethe film with one or more of increased loft, a perception of thickness,and improved tactile feel. Additional implementations include bagsincluding such films and methods of incrementally stretching films inthe machine direction to create such films.

Indeed, one or more implementations of the present invention can providethermoplastic films, and products made there from, with less rawmaterial (i.e., a reduced gauge by weight) yet maintained or increasedloft. Thus, one or more implementations can reduce the material neededto produce a product without compromising important material properties,such as loft. One will appreciate in light of the disclosure herein thatsuch material reductions can provide significant cost savings.

Additionally, consumers may associate thinner films (e.g., films withdecreased gauge by weight) with decreased strength. Indeed, consumersmay feel that they are receiving less value for their money whenpurchasing thermoplastic film products with thinner gauges. One willappreciate in light of the disclosure herein that a consumer may notreadily detect that one or more films of the present invention has areduced gauge by weight.

MD ring rolling of thinner films in accordance with implementations ofthe present invention allows formation of lofted films that are easilydetected and perceived as thicker, stronger films by consumers. Theincreased loft of the film is the result of undulations and convolutionsof the film out of plane of the initial flat film. Unexpectedly, theundulations and convolutions do not follow the regular pattern of theteeth marks imparted to the stretched film. Indeed, one or moreimplementations include localized peaks, ridges, and valleys that runtransverse to thicker and thinner ribs.

One or more implementations also include films with an improved tactileattributes, which reflect the interference of ridges or strain fronts onthe ring rolled film with each other to create a locking effect. Thistactile attribute can provide a consumer with a perception of strength.Additionally, the tactile attribute attributes of films of one or moreimplementations can exhibit a soft feel. Thus, by increasing the loft ofthinner films, the consumer may perceive the lofted film as beingthicker, having increased strength, additional processing, and enhancedsoftness.

As alluded to previously, one or more implementations include methods ofincrementally stretching a film with the unexpected result of increasingthe loft of the film. In particular, as will be described in greaterdetail below, one or more implementations provide synergistic effectswhen incrementally cold-stretching thermoplastic films in the machinedirection and/or transverse direction. Indeed, the films of the presentinvention can undergo one or more film stretching processes underambient or cold (non-heated) conditions. This differs significantly frommost conventional processes that stretch films under heated conditions.

Film Materials

As an initial matter, the thermoplastic material of the films of one ormore implementations can include, but are not limited to, thermoplasticpolyolefins, including polyethylene and copolymers thereof andpolypropylene and copolymers thereof. The olefin based polymers caninclude the most common ethylene or propylene based polymers such aspolyethylene, polypropylene, and copolymers such as ethylenevinylacetate (EVA), ethylene methyl acrylate (EMA) and ethylene acrylicacid (EAA), or blends of such polyolefins.

Other examples of polymers suitable for use as films in accordance withthe present invention include elastomeric polymers. Suitable elastomericpolymers may also be biodegradable or environmentally degradable.Suitable elastomeric polymers for the film includepoly(ethylene-butene), poly(ethylene-hexene), poly(ethylene-octene),poly(ethylene-propylene), poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene),poly(styrene-isoprene-styrene), poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene),poly(ester-ether), poly(ether-amide), poly(ethylene-vinylacetate),poly(ethylene-methylacrylate), poly(ethylene-acrylic acid),poly(ethylene butylacrylate), polyurethane,poly(ethylene-propylene-diene), ethylene-propylene rubber.

In at least one implementation of the present invention, the film caninclude linear low density polyethylene. The term “linear low densitypolyethylene” (LLDPE) as used herein is defined to mean a copolymer ofethylene and a minor amount of an olefin containing 4 to 10 carbonatoms, having a density of from about 0.910 to about 0.926, and a meltindex (MI) of from about 0.5 to about 10. For example, someimplementations of the present invention can use an octene comonomer,solution phase LLDPE (MI=1.1; ρ=0.920). Additionally, otherimplementations of the present invention can use a gas phase LLDPE,which is a hexene gas phase LLDPE formulated with slip/AB (MI=1.0;ρ=0.920). One will appreciate that the present invention is not limitedto LLDPE, and can include “high density polyethylene” (HDPE), “lowdensity polyethylene” (LDPE), and “very low density polyethylene”(VLDPE). Indeed films made from any of the previously mentionedthermoplastic materials or combinations thereof can be suitable for usewith the present invention.

Indeed, implementations of the present invention can include anyflexible or pliable thermoplastic material which may be formed or drawninto a web or film. Furthermore, the thermoplastic materials may includea single layer or multiple layers. The thermoplastic material may beopaque, transparent, translucent, or tinted. Furthermore, thethermoplastic material may be gas permeable or impermeable.

As used herein, the term “flexible” refers to materials that are capableof being flexed or bent, especially repeatedly, such that they arepliant and yieldable in response to externally applied forces.Accordingly, “flexible” is substantially opposite in meaning to theterms inflexible, rigid, or unyielding. Materials and structures thatare flexible, therefore, may be altered in shape and structure toaccommodate external forces and to conform to the shape of objectsbrought into contact with them without losing their integrity. Inaccordance with further prior art materials, web materials are providedwhich exhibit an “elastic-like” behavior in the direction of appliedstrain without the use of added traditional elastic. As used herein, theterm “elastic-like” describes the behavior of web materials which whensubjected to an applied strain, the web materials extend in thedirection of applied strain, and when the applied strain is released theweb materials return, to a degree, to their pre-strained condition.

In addition to a thermoplastic material, films of one or moreimplementations of the present invention can also include one or moreadditives. For examples, the films can include pigments, slip agents,anti-block agents, or tackifiers. The pigments can include TiO₂, orother pigments, that can impart a color and/or opacity to the film.

One will appreciate in light of the disclosure herein that manufacturersmay form the individual films or webs so as to provide improved strengthcharacteristics using a wide variety of techniques. For example, amanufacturer can form a precursor mix of the thermoplastic materialincluding any optional additives. The manufacturer can then form thefilm(s) from the precursor mix using conventional flat extrusion, castextrusion, or coextrusion to produce monolayer, bilayer, or multilayeredfilms.

Alternative to conventional flat extrusion or cast extrusion processes,a manufacturer can form the films using other suitable processes, suchas, a blown film process to produce monolayer, bilayer, or multilayeredfilms. If desired for a given end use, the manufacturer can orient thefilms by trapped bubble, tenterframe, or other suitable processes.Additionally, the manufacturer can optionally anneal the films.

In one or more implementations, the films of the present invention areblown film, or cast film. Blown film and cast film is formed byextrusion. The extruder used can be a conventional one using a die,which will provide the desired gauge. Some useful extruders aredescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,814,135; 4,857,600; 5,076,988; 5,153,382;each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.Examples of various extruders, which can be used in producing the filmsto be used with the present invention, can be a single screw typemodified with a blown film die, an air ring, and continuous take offequipment.

In one or more implementations, a manufacturer can use multipleextruders to supply different melt streams, which a feed block can orderinto different channels of a multi-channel die. The multiple extruderscan allow a manufacturer to form a multi-layered film with layers havingdifferent compositions. In a blown film process, the die can be anupright cylinder with a circular opening. Rollers can pull moltenplastic upward away from the die. An air-ring can cool the film as thefilm travels upwards. An air outlet can force compressed air into thecenter of the extruded circular profile, creating a bubble. The air canexpand the extruded circular cross section by a multiple of the diediameter. This ratio is called the “blow-up ratio.” When using a blownfilm process, the manufacturer can collapse the film to double the pliesof the film. Alternatively, the manufacturer can cut and fold the film,or cut and leave the film unfolded.

As used herein, the term “starting gauge” or “initial gauge” refers tothe average distance between the major surfaces of a film before it isincrementally stretched. The films of one or more implementations of thepresent invention can have a starting gauge between about 0.1 mils toabout 20 mils, suitably from about 0.2 mils to about 4 mils, suitably inthe range of about 0.3 mils to about 2 mils, suitably from about 0.6mils to about 1.25 mils, suitably from about 0.9 mils to about 1.1 mils,suitably from about 0.3 mils to about 0.7 mils, and suitably from about0.4 mils and about 0.6 mils. Additionally, the starting gauge of filmsof one or more implementations of the present invention may not beuniform. Thus, the starting gauge of films of one or moreimplementations of the present invention may vary along the lengthand/or width of the film.

Referring now to Figures, FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate various view of oneexemplary MD incrementally-stretched film 10. Specifically, FIG. 1Aillustrates a top view of the MD incrementally-stretched film 10, whileFIGS. 1B and 1D illustrate cross-sectional views of the MDincrementally-stretched film 10. As shown by FIGS. 1A and 1B, the MDincrementally-stretched film 10 can include a ribbed pattern 12.

The ribbed pattern 12 can include alternating series of thicker sectionsor ribs 14 and thinner sections or ribs 16. The thicker ribs 14 cancomprise “un-stretched” regions and the thinner ribs 16 can comprisestretched regions. In one or more implementations, the thicker ribs 14regions of the incrementally-stretched films may be stretched to a smalldegree. In any event, the thicker ribs 14 are stretched less compared tothe thinner ribs 16. The ribs 14, 16 can extend across the MDincrementally-stretched film 10 in the transverse direction.

As shown by FIG. 1B, the thicker ribs 14 can have a first averagethickness or gauge 18. The first average gauge 18 can be approximatelyequal to the starting gauge of the film used to create the MDincrementally-stretched film 10. In one or more implementations, thefirst average gauge 18 can be less than the starting gauge. The thinnerribs 16 can have a second average thickness or gauge 20. The secondaverage gauge 20 can be less than both the starting gauge and the firstaverage gauge 18. For example, in at least one implementations the thinlinear ribs 16 can have a thickness 20 approximately ⅓ that of thethickness 18 of the thick linear ribs 14.

FIGS. 1A and 1B further illustrates that the thinner ribs 16 can beintermittently dispersed about thicker ribs 14. In particular, eachthinner rib 16 can reside between adjacent thicker ribs 14. In otherwords, the thick and thinner ribs 14, 16 can alternate across the filmin the machine direction. Additionally, in one or more implementationsthe thicker ribs 14 can be visually distinct from the thinner ribs 16.For example, depending upon the degree of stretch, the thicker ribs 14can be more opaque than the thinner ribs 16. In other words, the thinnerribs 16 can be more transparent than the thicker ribs 14 in one or moreimplementations.

FIG. 1C illustrates another implementation of a cross section of a MDincrementally-stretched film 10 in accordance with the presentinvention. As shown by FIG. 1C, in some implementations the ribbedpattern 12 can include intermediately thick linear ribs 15. Theintermediately thick linear ribs 15 can have a thickness 17 that issmaller than the thickness 18 of the thick linear ribs 14, but largerthan the thickness 20 of the thin linear ribs 16. Thus, in one or moreimplementations adjacent thick linear ribs 14 are separated by a pair ofthin linear ribs 16 and an intermediately thick linear rib 15 positionedbetween the pair of thin linear ribs 16.

The degree of strain (or depth of engagement to pitch ratio as explainedin greater detail below) applied when forming the MDincrementally-stretched film 10 can dictate the configuration of theribbed pattern 12. For example, greater degrees of strain can produceintermediately thick linear ribs 15 in addition to the thick and thinlinear ribs 14, 16, as shown in FIG. 1C. While smaller degrees of straincan produce alternating thick and thin linear ribs 14, 16 as shown inFIG. 1B. Additionally, in one or more implementations the pair of thinlinear ribs 16 and intermediately thick linear rib 15 positioned betweenadjacent thick linear ribs 14 may visually appear to be a single thinlinear rib when viewed without magnification.

The remaining films and thermoplastic bags shown and described hereinbelow illustrate alternating thick and thin linear ribs 14, 16 as shownby FIG. 1B. One will appreciate that such films and bags can furtheroptionally include intermediately thick linear ribs 15. For ease ofdepiction and description; however, the ribbed patterns herein belowwill be described as including alternating thick and thin linear ribsonly.

In any event, the ribbed pattern 12 can provide a pleasing appearanceand connote strength to a consumer. For example, the ribbed pattern 12can signify that the MD incrementally-stretched film 10 has undergone aphysical transformation to modify one or more characteristics of thefilm. For example, MD ring rolling the film 10 can increase or otherwisemodify one or more of the tensile strength, tear resistance, impactresistance, or elasticity of the MD incrementally-stretched film 10 asexplained in greater detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/189,772 filed Jul. 25, 2011 and Ser. No. 13/190,677 filed Jul. 26,2011, each of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety. The ribbed pattern 12 can signify the physical transformationto a consumer.

As shown by FIGS. 1A and 1D, the MD incrementally-stretched film 10 canfurther include undulations or convolutions 22. The undulations orconvolutions 22 can extend generally perpendicular to the thicker 14 andthinner ribs 16. Thus, as shown by FIG. 1A, the undulations andconvolutions 22 can extend generally across the film in the transversedirection.

In at least one implementation the undulations and convolutions 22 canbe formed only or substantially in the thinner ribs 16 as shown in FIG.1A. In alternative implementations the undulations and convolutions 22can be formed in both the thicker 14 and thinner ribs 16. In stillfurther implementations the undulations and convolutions 22 can beformed only or substantially in the thicker ribs 14.

The undulations and convolutions 22 can include alternating series ofpeaks 24 and valleys 26. The peaks 24 and valleys 26 can extend acrossthe MD incrementally-stretched film 10 in the transverse direction. Asshown by FIG. 1D, the peaks 24 and valleys 26 can define a loft 28. Asused herein, the term “loft” refers to the largest distance between theouter major surfaces of a film. Thus, as shown by FIG. 1D, the loft 28is the distance between peaks 24 and valleys 26.

In one or more implementations the loft 28 of the peaks 24 and valleys26 is greater than the starting gauge of the film used to create the MDincrementally-stretched film 10. For example, in one or moreimplementations the loft 28 is between about 1.1 and about 50 times thestarting gauge of the film used to create the MD incrementally-stretchedfilm 10. More specifically, in one or more implementations the loft 28is about 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50times the starting gauge of the film used to create the MDincrementally-stretched film 10.

Thus, one will appreciate that that the peaks 24 and valleys 26 canprovide a look and feel of increased thickness to a film. Furthermore,the peaks 24 and valleys 26 can provide a look and feel of increasedthickness to a film despite reduced gauge-by-weight created bystretching the film. One will appreciate that the increased loft andperceived thickness provided by the peaks 24 and valleys 26 is thusunexpected as stretching a film typically reduces the loft and perceivedthickness.

In addition to increased loft and perceived thickness, the peaks 24 andvalleys 26 can provide a desirable aesthetic to the MDincrementally-stretched film 10. Furthermore, the peaks 24 and valleys26 can impart a softer feel to the MD incrementally-stretched film 10.In particular, a manufacturer can impart a rougher feel to the MDincrementally-stretched film 10 by increasing the frequency of the loftand/or reducing the loft 28 of the peaks 24 and valleys 26.Alternatively, a manufacturer can impart a softer feel to the MDincrementally-stretched film 10 by decreasing the frequency and/orincreasing the size of the peaks 24 and valleys 26.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate one exemplary process of incrementallystretching a thermoplastic film in the machine direction in accordancewith an implementation of the present invention. In particular, FIGS. 2Aand 2B illustrate an MD ring rolling process that incrementallystretches a thermoplastic film 10 a by passing the film 10 a through apair of MD intermeshing ring rollers 32, 34. As explained in greaterdetail below, the MD ring rolling processes of the present invention canstretch the film 10 a in the machine direction, while also maintainingor increasing the loft or other properties of the film 10 a.

As shown by the FIGS. 2A and 2B, the first roller 32 and the secondroller 34 can each have a generally cylindrical shape. The MDintermeshing rollers 32, 34 may be made of cast and/or machined metal,such as, steel, aluminum, or any other suitable material. The MDintermeshing rollers 32, 34 can rotate in opposite direction aboutparallel axes of rotation. For example, FIG. 2A illustrates that thefirst roller 32 can rotate about a first axis 36 of rotation in acounterclockwise direction 38. FIG. 2A also illustrates that the secondroller 34 can rotate about a second axis 40 of rotation in a clockwisedirection 42. The axes of rotation 36, 40 can be parallel to thetransverse direction and perpendicular to the machine direction.

The MD intermeshing rollers 32, 34 can closely resemble fine pitch spurgears. In particular, the MD intermeshing rollers 32, 34 can include aplurality of protruding ridges 44, 46. The ridges 44, 46 can extendalong the MD intermeshing rollers 32, 34 in a direction generallyparallel to axes of rotation 36, 40. Furthermore, the ridges 44, 46 canextend generally radially outward from the axes of rotation 36, 40. Thetips of ridges 44, 46 can have a variety of different shapes andconfigurations. For example, the tips of the ridges 44, 46 can have arounded shape as shown in FIG. 2B.

The ridges 44 on the first roller 32 can be offset or staggered withrespect to the ridges 46 on the second roller 34. Thus, the grooves 48of the first roller 32 can receive the ridges 46 of the second roller34, as the MD intermeshing rollers 32, 34 intermesh. Similarly, thegrooves 50 of the second roller 34 can receive the ridges 44 of thefirst roller 32. In one or more implementations, the ridges 44, 46 willnot contact each other or transmit rotational torque during anintermeshing stretching operation.

Additionally, the configuration of the ridges 44, 46 and grooves 48, 50can dictate the amount of stretching caused by the MD intermeshingrollers 32, 34. Referring specifically to FIG. 2B, various features ofthe ridges 44, 46 and grooves 48, 50 are shown in greater detail. Thepitch and depth of engagement of the ridges 44, 46 can determine, atleast in part, the amount of incremental stretching created by the MDintermeshing rollers 32, 34. As shown by FIG. 2B, the pitch 52 is thedistance between the tips of two adjacent ridges on the same roller. The“depth of engagement” (DOE) 54 is the amount of overlap between ridges44, 46 of the different MD intermeshing rollers 32, 34 duringintermeshing. The ratio of DOE 54 to pitch 52 can determine, at least inpart, the amount of stretch imparted by a pair of MD intermeshingrollers 32, 34.

As shown by FIG. 2A, the direction of travel of the film 10 a throughthe MD intermeshing rollers 32, 34 is parallel to the machine directionand perpendicular to the transverse direction. As the thermoplastic film10 a passes between the MD intermeshing rollers 32, 34, the ridges 44,46 can incrementally stretch the film 10 a in the machine direction. Insome implementations, stretching the film 10 a in the machine directioncan reduce the gauge of the film and increase the length of the film 10a. In other implementations, the film 10 a may rebound after beingstretched such that the gauge of the film 10 a is not decreased.Furthermore, in some implementations, stretching the film 10 a in themachine direction can reduce the width of the film 10 a. For example, asthe film 10 a is lengthened in the machine direction, the film's lengthcan be reduced in the transverse direction.

In particular, as the film 10 a proceeds between the MD intermeshingrollers 32, 34, the ridges 44 of the first roller 32 can push the film10 a into the grooves 50 of the second roller 34 and vice versa. Thepulling of the film 10 a by the ridges 44, 46 can stretch the film 10 a.The MD intermeshing rollers 32, 34 may not stretch the film 10 a evenlyalong its length. Specifically, the rollers 32, 34 can stretch theportions of the film 10 a between the ridges 44, 46 more than theportions of the film 10 a that contact the ridges 44, 46. Thus, the MDintermeshing rollers 32, 34 can impart or form a ribbed pattern 12 intothe film 10 a. Additionally, the MD intermeshing rollers 32, 34 canimpart or form the undulations or convolutions 22 in the film 10 a. Asused herein, the terms “impart” and “form” refer to the creation of adesired structure or geometry in a film upon stretching the film thatwill at least partially retain the desired structure or geometry whenthe film is no longer subject to any strains or externally appliedforces.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the ribbed pattern 12 formed by the MD ringrolling process can be visually perceivable. As used herein, the term“visually perceivable” refers to features that are readily discernibleto the normal naked eye. In particular, visually perceivable featurescan be readily discernible to the normal naked eye when a film 10 aincluding the features is subjected to normal use.

In one or more implementations, prior to passing through the MDintermeshing rollers 32, 34, the film 10 a may not include a visuallyperceivable ribbed pattern 12 or undulations or convolutions 22. Forexample, FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate that the un-stretched film 10 a(i.e., the film that is yet to pass through the intermeshing rollers 32,34) can have a substantially flat top surface 58 and substantially flatbottom surface 60. The un-stretched film 10 a can have an initialthickness or starting gauge 62 extending between its major surfaces(i.e., the top surface 58 and the bottom surface 60). In at least oneimplementation, the starting gauge 62 can be substantially uniform alongthe length of the un-stretched film 10 a.

For purposes of the present invention, the un-stretched film 10 a neednot have an entirely flat top surface 58. Indeed, the top surface 58 canbe rough or uneven. Similarly, bottom surface 60 of the un-stretchedfilm 10 a can also be rough or uneven. Further, the starting gauge 62need not be consistent or uniform throughout the entirety ofun-stretched film 10 a. Thus, the starting gauge 62 can vary due tointentional product design, manufacturing defects, tolerances, or otherprocessing inconsistencies.

One will appreciate in light of the disclosure herein that the stripedpattern 12 may vary depending on the method used to incrementallystretch the film 10 a. To the extent that MD ring rolling is used toincrementally stretch the film 10 a, the striped pattern 12 on the film10 a can depend on the pitch 52 of the ridges 44, 46, the DOE 54, andother factors. In one or more implementations, the molecular structureof the thermoplastic material of the film 10 a may be rearranged toprovide this shape memory.

The pitch 52 and the DOE 54 of the ridges 44, 46 of the MD intermeshingrollers 32, 34 can determine the width and spacing of the ribs 14, 16and the loft 28 of the peaks 24 and valleys 26. Thus, as explained ingreater detail below, by varying the pitch 52 and/or DOE 54, the widthand/or spacing of the ribs 14, 16, the loft 28 of the peaks 24 andvalleys 26, the amount of stretching the film undergoes, and the effectsof the stretching on the physical properties can be varied.

For example, FIG. 3 illustrates an MD incrementally-stretched film 10 bformed using a pitch 52 several times larger than that used to createthe MD incrementally-stretched film 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1D. Asshown by FIG. 3, the thinner ribs 16 a and the undulations orconvolutions 22 a can be wider than those illustrated by FIG. 1A. Onewill appreciate that wider the thinner ribs 16 a and the undulations orconvolutions 22 a can accentuate the visual effects of the MDincrementally-stretched film 10 b. In other words, the peaks and valleysmay be larger and more easily noticed. Similarly the increased width ofthe thinner ribs 16 a can allow for an increased loft 28.

As alluded to earlier, the tips of ridges 44, 46 of the intermeshingrollers can have a variety of different shapes and configurations. Forexample, FIG. 4 illustrates another set of MD intermeshing rollers 32 a,34 a similar to those shown in FIG. 2A, albeit that the tips of theridges 44 a, 46 a can have sharp angled corners. The sharp angledcorners of the ridges 44 a, 46 a can help to lock the film about theteeth or ridges 44 a, 46 a of the MD intermeshing rollers 32 a, 34 a. Bylocking the film about the teeth or ridges 44 a, 46 a, the sharp angledcorners can produce enhanced, larger, or more easily noticeable ribbedpattern 12 and/or loft 28.

In addition to MD ring rolling, implementations of the present inventionfurther include additionally, or alternatively, using TD ring rolling toincrementally stretch a thermoplastic film to enhance, or otherwisemodify, physical properties of the film. For example, FIG. 5 illustratesa top view of a MD and TD incrementally-stretched film 10 c.

The MD and TD incrementally-stretched film 10 c can be formed by passingthe MD incrementally-stretched film 10 b shown in FIG. 3 through a pairof TD intermeshing rollers. A TD ring rolling processes (and associatedTD intermeshing rollers) can be similar to the MD ring rolling process(and associated MD intermeshing rollers 32, 34) described herein above,albeit that the ridges and grooves 60, 62 of the TD intermeshing rollerscan extend generally orthogonally to the axes of rotation.

As shown by FIG. 5, the MD and TD incrementally-stretched film 10 c caninclude thicker ribs 14, thinner ribs 16 a, and undulations orconvolutions 22 a similar to those described hereinabove. Furthermore,the MD and TD incrementally-stretched film 10 c can include thicker ribs14 c and thinner ribs 16 c that extend across the film 10 c in thedirection in which the film was extruded (i.e., machine direction). Asshown by FIG. 5, ribs 14 c, 16 c can extend across the entire length ofthe film 10 c. The pitch and the DOE of the ridges of the TDintermeshing rollers can determine the width and spacing of the ribs 14c, 16 c. Thus, by varying the pitch and/or DOE, the width and/or spacingof the ribs 14 c, 16 c, the amount of stretching the film undergoes, andthe effects of the stretching on the physical properties can be varied.

As shown by FIG. 5, the MD and TD incrementally-stretched film 10 c caninclude alternating series of thicker sections or ribs 14 c and thinnersections or ribs 16 c. The thicker ribs 14 c can comprise“lesser-stretched” regions and the thinner ribs 16 c can comprisestretched regions. In one or more implementations, the thicker ribs 14 cregions of the incrementally-stretched films may be stretched to a smalldegree. In any event, the thicker ribs 14 c are stretched less comparedto the thinner ribs 16 c.

The thicker ribs 14 c can have a first average thickness or gauge. Thefirst average gauge can be approximately equal to a starting gauge ofthe film 10. In one or more implementations, the first average gauge canbe less than the starting gauge. The thinner ribs 16 c can have a secondaverage thickness or gauge. The second average gauge can be less thanboth the starting gauge and the first average gauge.

FIG. 5 further illustrates that the thinner ribs 16 c can beintermittently dispersed about thicker ribs 14 c. In particular, eachthinner rib 16 c can reside between adjacent thicker ribs 14 c.Additionally, in one or more implementations, the thicker ribs 14 c canbe visually distinct from the thinner ribs 16 c. For example, dependingupon the degree of stretch, the thicker ribs 14 c can be more opaquethan the thinner ribs 16 c. In other words, the thinner ribs 16 c can bemore transparent or translucent than the thicker ribs 14 c in one ormore implementations.

The ribs 14 c, 16 c can provide a pleasing appearance and connotestrength to a consumer. For example, the ribs 14 c, 16 c can signifythat the film 10 c has undergone a transformation to modify one or morecharacteristics of the film 10 c. For example, TD ring rolling the film10 can increase or otherwise modify one or more of the tensile strength,tear resistance, impact resistance, or elasticity of the film 10. Theribs 14 c, 16 c can signify the transformation to a consumer.

In addition to the forgoing, TD ring rolling a MDincrementally-stretched film 10 can cause the size of the undulations orconvolutions 22 (e.g., the peaks 24 and valleys 26) and/or the loft 28to increase. In particular, in one or more implementations TD ringrolling the MD incrementally-stretched film can cause the undulations orconvolutions 22 to have a raised arch configuration. In other words, TDring rolling the MD incrementally-stretched film can cause theundulations or convolutions 22 to “pop” or otherwise have a morenoticeable configuration.

The incrementally-stretched film 10 c created by MD and TD ring rollingcan allow for even greater material savings by further increasing thesurface area of a given portion of film. Additionally, MD and TD ringrolling can provide properties or advantages not obtained by MD or TDring rolling alone. Thus, checker board pattern created by the ribs cansignify these transformations to a consumer.

In yet further implementations, a manufacturer can use diagonaldirection (“DD”) ring rolling to incrementally stretch a thermoplasticfilm to create increased loft and tactually-distinct stretched regions.A DD ring rolling processes (and associated DD intermeshing rollers) canbe similar to the MD ring rolling process (and associated MDintermeshing rollers 32, 34) described herein above, albeit that theridges and grooves of the DD intermeshing rollers can extend at an anglerelative to the axes of rotation. The stretched regions can include ribsoriented at an angle relative to the transverse direction such that theribs are neither parallel to the transverse or machine direction. Infurther implementations, the orientation of the ribs can be random. Onewill appreciate in light of the disclosure herein that one or moreimplementations can include stretched regions arranged in otherpatterns/shapes. Such additional patterns include, but are not limitedto, intermeshing circles, squares, diamonds, hexagons, or other polygonsand shapes. Additionally, one or more implementations can includestretched regions arranged in patterns that are combinations of theillustrated and described patterns/shapes.

The following examples present the results of a series of testsperformed on thermoplastic films that have been incrementally stretchedin the machine direction. These examples are illustrative of theinvention claimed herein and should not be construed to limit in any waythe scope of the invention.

Example 1

In a first example, mono-layer films were MD incrementally stretchedusing a cold MD ring rolling process similar to that described hereinabove. The three films were hexene gas phase LLDPE films having astarting gauge of 0.6 mils. The intermeshing rolls used in comparativeExample 1 had a 0.100″ pitch. The MD incrementally-stretched films wereeach assigned a tactile rating and a loft rating. Each of the tactileand loft rating were based on a 0-10 scale. Where a zero rating is aflat un-stretched film. A 10 tactile rating was given to the film thatfelt the softest and thickest. A 10 loft rating was given to the filmthat visually appeared to have the greatest loft. The MD DOE to pitchratio used to stretch the films varied from between 0 and 1.0. Thethermoplastic film was MD incrementally stretched with four differentDOEs. Specifically, the film was MD incrementally stretched at MD DOEsof 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.

TABLE I Physical Properties Gauge by Weight MD relative to DOE/ TactileLoft un-stretched Pitch Rating Rating film (%) 0 0 0 100 0.25 1 1 930.50 2 2 94 0.75 3 8 85 1 4 9 75

Table I lists some physical properties of these films along with thephysical properties of the un-stretched film. The results from Table Iindicate that the MD incrementally-stretched films can have a maintainedor increased loft and tactile feel. The loft and tactile feel of the MDincrementally-stretched films can make the films appear thicker andstronger. The MD incrementally-stretched films of this example eachincluded maintained or increased loft and tactile feel despite areduction in gauge by weight. One will appreciate that this isunexpected, as stretched films typically have a reduced loft and appearthinner and weaker. As shown in Table I, one film was MD ring rolledwith a DOE to pitch ratio of 0.0 and was scored a loft rating of 2.0. Onincreasing the MD DOE to pitch ratio to 1.0, the loft rating increasedto 9.0 with a simultaneous gauge reduction of 25%.

Example 2

In a second example, the thermoplastic films of Example 1 wereadditionally TD incrementally stretched using a cold TD ring rollingprocess similar to that described herein above. The TD intermeshingrolls used in comparative Example 2 had a 5.933″ diameter, 0.40″ pitch,30 diametral pitch, and a 14½° pressure angle. The DOE to pitch ratioused to stretch the films was 0.50.

TABLE II Physical Properties Gauge by Weight MD TD relative to DOE/ DOE/Tactile Loft un-stretched Pitch Pitch Rating Rating film (%) 0 0 0 0 1000 0.50 6 6 82 0.25 0.50 8 4 83 0.50 0.50 9 5 83 0.75 0.50 7 8 71 1 0.505 7 67

Table II lists some physical properties of these films along with thephysical properties of the un-stretched film. The results from Table IIindicate that the MD and TD incrementally-stretched films can have amaintained or increased loft and tactile feel. The loft and tactile feelof the MD and TD incrementally-stretched films can make the films appearthicker and stronger. The MD and TD incrementally-stretched films ofthis example each included maintained or increased loft and tactile feeldespite a reduction in gauge by weight. One will appreciate that this isunexpected, as stretched films typically have a reduced loft and appearthinner and weaker. As shown in Table II, one film was MD ring rolledwith a DOE to pitch ratio of 1.0, followed by TD ring rolling with a DOEto pitch ratio 0.50. This film had a loft rating of 7.0 with a gaugereduction of 33%. In another instance, one film was MD ring rolled witha DOE to pitch ratio of 0.50, followed by TD ring rolling with a DOE topitch ratio of 0.50. This film had a tactile rating of 9.0 with a gaugereduction of 17%.

As shown by the various examples hereinabove, cold ring rolling canimprove the look and feel of a film in one or more implementations.Additionally, in one or more implementations cold ring rolling canproduce a reduction in film gauge, along with the unexpected result ofimproving the look and feel of a film. Furthermore, MD and TD cold ringrolling together can produce further gauge reductions.

One will appreciate in light of the disclosure herein that the MD and/orTD incrementally-stretched films with increased loft and/or improvedlook and feel can form part of any type of product made from, orincorporating, thermoplastic films. For instance, grocery bags, trashbags, sacks, packaging materials, feminine hygiene products, babydiapers, adult incontinence products, sanitary napkins, bandages, foodstorage bags, food storage containers, thermal heat wraps, facial masks,wipes, hard surface cleaners, and many other products can include MDand/or TD incrementally-stretched with maintained or increased physicalproperties to one extent or another. Trash bags and food storage bags,in particular, may benefit by the films of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, in a particular implementation of the presentinvention, the MD incrementally-stretched film 10 illustrated in FIGS.1A-1D may be incorporated in a bag construction, such as a flexible drawtape bag 70. The bag 70 can include a bag body 72 formed from a piece ofMD incrementally-stretched film 10 folded upon itself along a bag bottom74. Side seams 76 and 78 can bond the sides of the bag body 72 togetherto form a semi-enclosed container having an opening 80 along an upperedge 82. The bag 70 also optionally includes closure means 84 locatedadjacent to the upper edge 82 for sealing the top of the bag 70 to forma fully-enclosed container or vessel. The bag 70 is suitable forcontaining and protecting a wide variety of materials and/or objects.The closure means 84 can comprise flaps, adhesive tapes, a tuck and foldclosure, an interlocking closure, a slider closure, a zipper closure orother closure structures known to those skilled in the art for closing abag.

As shown, the one or more of the sides of the bag body 72 can include aribbed pattern 12. The ribbed pattern 12 can include alternating seriesof thicker ribs and thinner ribs. The ribs can extend across the bag 70in the TD direction, or in other words, from the bag bottom 74 to theupper edge 82. One or more of the sides of the bag body 72 can furtherinclude undulations or convolutions 22 (such as peaks and valleys) thatprovide the bag 70 with increased loft, perceived thickness, perceivedstrength, and/or enhanced look or feel. The bag 70 can require lessmaterial to form than an identical bag formed with an un-stretched film10 a of the same thermoplastic material. Additionally, despite requiringless material, the bag 70 can include the above-recited advantages.

FIG. 7 illustrates a tie bag 86 incorporating an MD- andTD-incrementally-stretched film in accordance with an implementation ofthe present invention. As shown, the sides of the tie bag 86 can includea ribbed pattern. The ribbed pattern can include thicker ribs orun-stretched regions 14, 14 c and thinner ribs 16 d created by MD and TDring rolling.

The ribbed pattern can include thicker ribs 14 that extend across thebag 106 in the machine direction. Additionally, the ribbed pattern caninclude thicker ribs 14 c that extend across the bag 86 in thetransverse direction, or in other words from the bag bottom 88 to flaps90 of an upper edge 92 of the bag 86.

In comparison with the film 10 c of FIG. 5, the spacing between the MDextending thicker ribs 14 is greater in the bag 86. This effect iscreated by using MD ring rolls having a greater pitch between ridges.The spacing of the TD extending thicker ribs 14 c on the other hand isabout the same as in film 10 c. This effect is created by using TD ringrolls having the same pitch between ridges. Furthermore, the relativespacing between the MD extending stripes and the TD extending ribsdiffers in the bag 86, while relative spacing is the same in the film 10c. This effect is created by using TD ring rolls having a greater pitchbetween ridges compared to the pitch between ridges of the MD ringrolls. One will appreciate in light of the disclosure herein that theuse of intermeshing rollers with greater or varied ridge pitch canprovide the different spacing and thicknesses of the ribs. Thus, onewill appreciate in light of the disclosure herein that a manufacturercan vary the ridge pitch of the intermeshing rollers to vary the patternof the ribs, and thus, the aesthetic and/or properties of the bag orfilm.

FIG. 7 further illustrates that in at least on implementation, eachthinner rib 16 d can include a plurality of undulations or convolutions22 (such as peaks and valleys). The undulations or convolutions 22 canprovide the bag 86 with increased loft, perceived thickness, perceivedstrength, and/or enhanced look or feel. The bag 86 can require lessmaterial to form than an identical bag formed with an un-stretched film10 a of the same thermoplastic material.

Each of the films and bags described herein above include a single filmlayer. One will appreciate in light of the disclosure herein that thepresent invention is not so limited. For example, FIGS. 8A and 8Billustrates a multi-layered thermoplastic bag 126 having sidewalls 102,104 that each comprise a multi-layer thermoplastic material. The layersof such multi-layered thermoplastic materials may be joined bymechanical pressure, adhesives, heat, pressure, spread coating,extrusion coating, or combinations thereof. Thus, one will appreciatethat one or more of the first sidewall 102 and the second sidewall 104can comprise two, three, four, or more coextruded, continuouslylaminated, non-continuously laminated, or otherwise bonded layers.

Similar to bag 70, bag 126 can include side seams 76 and 78 can bond theside walls 102, 104 together to form a semi-enclosed container having anopening 124. The bag 126 also optionally includes closure means 84 forsealing the top of the bag 126 to form a fully-enclosed container orvessel. As shown, the one or more of the sides of the bag 126 caninclude a ribbed pattern 12. The ribbed pattern 12 can includealternating series of thicker ribs and thinner ribs. The ribs can extendacross the bag 126 in the TD direction. One or more of the sidewalls102, 104 can further include undulations or convolutions 22 (such aspeaks 24 and valleys 26) that provide the bag 126 with increased loft,perceived thickness, perceived strength, and/or enhanced look or feel.The bag 126 can require less material to form than an identical bagformed with an un-stretched film 10 a of the same thermoplasticmaterial. Additionally, despite requiring less material, the bag 126 caninclude the above-recited advantages.

As shown by FIG. 8B, each sidewall 102, 104 can comprise a multi-layerthermoplastic material. In particular, the first sidewall 102 cancomprise a first film layer 102 a and a second film layer 102 b.Similarly, the second sidewall 104 can comprise a first film layer 104 aand a second film layer 104 b. The second layer or bag 102 b, 104 b ispositioned within the first layer or bag 102 a, 104 a. Such aconfiguration may be considered a “bag-in-bag” configuration. In otherwords the multi-layered thermoplastic bag 126 can include a secondthermoplastic layer or bag formed from the second layers 102 b, 104 bpositioned within a first thermoplastic layer or bag formed from thefirst layers 102 a, 104 a. Each of the first and second layers or bagscan include a pair of opposing sidewalls joined together along threeedges as described above in relation to the bag 70.

In particular, the first layers 102 a, 104 a and second layers 102 b,104 b may be joined along a first side edge, an opposing second sideedge, and a bottom edge. For example, FIG. 8B illustrates a first bottomedge 114 a joining the first layers 102 a, 104 a, and a second bottomedge 114 b joining the second layers 102 b, 104 b. The bottom edges 114a, 114 b may extend between the first and second side edges of each ofthe first and second layers. In one or more implementations thethermoplastic sidewalls 102 a and 104 a, 102 b and 104 b are joinedalong the first and second side edges and along the bottom edges 114 a,114 b by any suitable process, such as heat sealing. In alternativeimplementations, the bottom edge 114 a, 114 b, or one or more of theside edges can comprise a fold as shown in FIG. 8B.

At least a portion of the first and second top edges 120, 122 of therespective first and second sidewalls 102, 104 may remain un-joined todefine an opening 124 located opposite the bottom edges 114, 114 b. Theopening 124 may be used to deposit items into the interior volume.Furthermore, the multi-layered thermoplastic bag 126 may be placed intoa trash receptacle. When placed in a trash receptacle, the first andsecond top edges 120, 122 of the respective first and second sidewalls102, 104 may be folded over the rim of the receptacle.

Additionally, as shown by FIG. 8B, the multi-layered thermoplastic bag126 includes multiple layers. FIG. 8B illustrates a multi-layeredthermoplastic bag 126 with two layers. One will appreciate in light ofthe disclosure herein that in alternative implementations one or moremulti-layered bags of the present invention can include more than twolayers. For example, multi-layered bags of one or more implementationscan include 3, 4, 5, 6, or more layers.

In one or more implementations, the inner layer or bag 102 b, 104 b isjoined or bonded to the outer layer or bag 102 a, 104 a of themulti-layered thermoplastic bag 126. For example, in one implementationthe inner layer or bag 102 b, 104 b is joined to the outer layer or bag102 a, 104 a only along the hems 142, 144. In alternativeimplementations, the inner layer or bag 102 b, 104 b can additionally,or alternatively, be joined to the outer layer or bag 102 a, 104 a alongtheir respective edges. For example, one or more of the first side edgesand the second side edges of the respective inner and outer layers orbags can be joined by a heat seal, a fold, or other mechanism. In atleast one implementation the first side edges and the second side edgesof the inner and outer layers or bags are joined by heat seals, whilethe bottom edges 114 a, 114 b comprise folds that are un-joined to eachother.

In addition to the foregoing, in one or more implementations one or moreof the sidewalls 102 b, 104 b of the inner layer or bag can be laminatedto the respective sidewalls 102 a, 104 a of the outer layer or bag. Forexample, the sidewalls 102 b, 104 b of the inner layer or bag can becontinuously bonded to the sidewalls 102 a, 104 a of the outer layer orbag. In particular, the inner and outer layers or bags can beco-extruded, joined shortly after extrusion while still tacky,adhesively bonded, or otherwise continuously bonded.

In alternative implementations, as shown in FIG. 8B, at least a portionof the inner layer or bag is non-continuously laminated to the outerlayer or bag. For example, the inner layer or bag can benon-continuously laminated to the outer layer or bag using any of themethods, process, and techniques described in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/273,384 filed Oct. 14, 2011, the contents of which arehereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. For example, theinner layer or bag can be non-continuously laminated to the outer layeror bag using a process selected from the group consisting of adhesivebonding, ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding, embossing, ring rolling,SELFing, and combinations thereof.

As explained in greater detail below, the multi-layered thermoplasticbag 126 can comprise two MD incrementally-stretched films (such as thatshown by FIGS. 1A-1D) that are bonded together by passing togetherthrough a set of TD intermeshing rollers. In particular, FIG. 8Billustrates that a plurality of non-continuous bonds 150 a securing thesidewalls 102 b, 104 b of the inner layer or bag to the sidewalls 102 a,104 a of the outer layer or bag. In particular, the bonds 150 a cancomprise adhesive bonds, ultrasonic bonds, thermal bonds, or bondsformed from one or more of ring rolling, SELFing, or embossing. Forexample, FIG. 8B illustrates a plurality of partially discontinuousbonds 150 a formed by TD ring rolling. Thus only a portion of thesidewalls 102 b, 104 b of the inner layer or bag are non-continuouslylaminated to the sidewalls 102 a, 104 a of the outer layer or bag in themulti-layered thermoplastic bag 126. In alternatively implementations,the entire sidewalls 102 b, 104 b of the inner layer or bag arecontinuously laminated to the sidewalls 102 a, 104 a of the outer layeror bag.

In particular, the simultaneous TD ring rolling of the inner and outerlayers of the multi-layered thermoplastic bag 126 can create a TD ribbedpattern 156 in at least a portion of one or more of the inner layers 102b, 104 b, the outer layers 102 a, 104 a. The TD ribbed pattern 156 cancomprise a plurality of alternating thick linear ribs 14 c and thinlinear ribs 16 c that may extend across one or more of the inner layers102 b, 104 b and the outer layers 102 a, 104 a. As illustrated in FIG.8B, the thick linear ribs 14 c may be parallel and separated by thinribs 16 c including undulations or convolutions 22. Additionally, asillustrated in FIG. 8B, the TD ribbed pattern 156 may extend from thebottom edge 114 a toward the opening 124.

FIG. 8B illustrates that the inner layer 102 b, 104 b of each sidewall102, 104 can be bonded to the outer layer 102 a, 104 a, of each sidewall102, 104. In particular, a plurality of non-continuous bonded regions orbonds 150 a can secure the first and second layers 102 a, 104 a, 102 b,104 b of the each sidewall together. Thus, the bonds 150 a can comprisea pattern of linear bonds 150 a extending between the first side edgeand the second side edge of each sidewall 102, 104.

As shown by FIG. 8B, in one or more implementations, the bonds 150 a canbond thick linear ribs 14 c of the inner layer 102 b, 104 b of eachsidewall 102, 104 to thick linear ribs 14 c of the outer layer 102 a,104 a of each sidewall 102, 104. FIG. 8B illustrates that the bonds 150a can secure some, but not all, of the thick linear ribs 14 c of onelayer to the thick linear ribs 14 c of an adjacent layer. In particular,FIG. 8B illustrates that bonds 150 a can secure every other thick linearrib 14 c of adjacent layers together. In alternative implementations,bonds 150 a can secure each thick linear rib 14 c of adjacent layertogether. Additionally, in one or more implementations the thin linearribs 16 may be unbounded.

In one or more implementations, the non-continuous bonds 150 a can havea bond strength that is less than a weakest tear resistance of eachsidewalls 102 a, 102 b, 104 a, 104 b so as to cause the bonds 150 a tofail prior to failing of the bag 126. Indeed, one or moreimplementations include bonds 150 a that the release just prior to anylocalized tearing of the bag 126. In particular, the non-continuousbonds 150 a between the inner and outer layers of the bag 100 a can actto first absorb forces via breaking of the bonds 150 a prior to allowingthat same force to cause failure of the multi-layered bag 126. Suchaction can provide increased strength to the bag 100.

The multi-layered bag 126 includes non-continuous bonds only in a bottomportion (i.e., section adjacent the bottom edge). One will appreciate inalternative implementations the entire multi-layered bag 126 can benon-continuously laminated together. In still further implementations,one or more of an upper, a middle, and a bottom section of therespective layers of the multi-layered bag can be non-continuouslylaminated together.

Thus, one will appreciate in light of the disclosure herein that amanufacturer can tailor specific sections or zones of a bag or film withdesirable properties by MD ring rolling, TD ring rolling, or acombination thereof. One region of the bag may include a first type ofincremental stretching to increase the loft, strength parameters, and/orenhance the look and feel of the film or bag. Thus, a manufacturer canprovide any region of a bag with the different incrementally-stretchedfilms and their associated properties described herein above.

As alluded to earlier, in one or more implementations the lamination orbonding between layers of a multi-layer film may be non-continuous(i.e., discontinuous or partial discontinuous). As used herein the terms“discontinuous bonding” or “discontinuous lamination” refers tolamination of two or more layers where the lamination is not continuousin the machine direction and not continuous in the transverse direction.More particularly, discontinuous lamination refers to lamination of twoor more layers with repeating bonded patterns broken up by repeatingun-bonded areas in both the machine direction and the transversedirection of the film.

As used herein the terms “partially discontinuous bonding” or “partiallydiscontinuous lamination” refers to lamination of two or more layerswhere the lamination is substantially continuous in the machinedirection or in the transverse direction, but not continuous in theother of the machine direction or the transverse direction. Alternately,partially discontinuous lamination refers to lamination of two or morelayers where the lamination is substantially continuous in the width ofthe article but not continuous in the height of the article, orsubstantially continuous in the height of the article but not continuousin the width of the article. More particularly, partially discontinuouslamination refers to lamination of two or more layers with repeatingbonded patterns broken up by repeating unbounded areas in either themachine direction or the transverse direction. Or alternatively, randombonded areas broken up by random un-bonded areas.

Implementations of the present invention can also include methods ofincrementally stretching a film of thermoplastic material to produceincreased loft and/or enhanced look or feel. The following describes atleast one implementation of a method with reference to the componentsand diagrams of FIGS. 1A through 8B. Of course, as a preliminary matter,one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the methodsexplained in detail herein can be modified to install a wide variety ofconfigurations using one or more components of the present invention.For example, various acts of the method described can be omitted orexpanded, and the order of the various acts of the method described canbe altered as desired.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a high-speed manufacturingprocess 160. The high-speed manufacturing process 160 can incrementallystretch a thermoplastic film in one or more of the machine direction andthe transverse direction, while increasing the loft, reducing the gaugeby weight, increasing the strength parameters, and/or enhancing the lookand feel of the film or bag. According to the exemplary process, anun-stretched thermoplastic film 10 a is unwound from a roll 162 anddirected along a machine direction. The un-stretched film 10 a can passbetween one or more pairs of cylindrical intermeshing rollers toincrementally stretch the un-stretched film 10 a and impart a ribbedpattern thereon. For example, FIG. 9 illustrates that the un-stretchedfilm 10 a can pass through a first pair of MD intermeshing rollers 32,34. In alternative implementations, the un-stretched film 10 a can passthrough only MD intermeshing rollers, or through MD intermeshing rollersand TD intermeshing rollers or other rollers.

The rollers 32, 34 may be arranged so that their longitudinal axes areperpendicular to the machine direction. Additionally, the rollers 32, 34may rotate about their longitudinal axes in opposite rotationaldirections. In various embodiments, motors may be provided that powerrotation of the rollers 32, 34 in a controlled manner. As theun-stretched film passes between the rollers 32, 34 the ridges of theintermeshing rollers can impart a ribbed pattern and incrementallystretch the film, thereby creating an MD incrementally-stretched film10.

During the manufacturing process 160, the incrementally-stretched film10 can also pass through a pair of pinch rollers 164, 166. The pinchrollers 164, 166 can be appropriately arranged to grasp theincrementally-stretched film 10. The pinch rollers 164, 166 mayfacilitate and accommodate the incrementally-stretched film 10.

A folding operation 168 can fold the incrementally-stretched film 10 toproduce the bottom of the finished bag. The folding operation 168 canfold the incrementally-stretched film 10 in half along the transversedirection. In particular, the folding operation 168 can move a firstedge 170 adjacent to a second edge 172, thereby creating a folded edge174. The folding operation 168 thereby provides a first film half 176and an adjacent second web half 178. The overall width 180 of the secondfilm half 178 can be half the second width 182 of the first film half176 of the incrementally-stretched film 10.

To produce the finished bag, the processing equipment may furtherprocess the folded incrementally-stretched film 10. In particular, adraw tape operation 184 can insert a draw tape 186 into theincrementally-stretched film 10. Furthermore, a sealing operation 188can form the parallel side edges of the finished bag by forming heatseals 190 between adjacent portions of the foldedincrementally-stretched film 10. The heat seals 190 may be spaced apartalong the folded incrementally-stretched film 10. The sealing operation188 can form the heat seals 190 using a heating device, such as, aheated knife.

A perforating operation 192 may form a perforation in the heat seals 190using a perforating device, such as, a perforating knife. Theperforations in conjunction with the folded outer edge 174 can defineindividual bags 194 that may be separated from theincrementally-stretched film 10. A roll 196 can wind theincrementally-stretched film 10 embodying the finished bags 194 forpackaging and distribution. For example, the roll 196 may be placed intoa box or bag for sale to a customer.

In still further implementations, the folded incrementally-stretchedfilm 10 may be cut into individual bags along the heat seals 190 by acutting operation. In another implementation, the foldedincrementally-stretched film 10 with may be folded one or more timesprior to the cutting operation. In yet another implementation, the sidesealing operation 188 may be combined with the cutting and/orperforation operations 192.

One will appreciate in light of the disclosure herein that the process160 described in relation to FIG. 9 can be modified to omit or expandedacts, or vary the order of the various acts as desired. For example,FIG. 10 illustrates another manufacturing process 200 for producing aplastic bag having increased loft, reduced gauge by weight, increasedstrength parameters, and/or enhanced the look and feel. The process 200can be similar to process 160 of FIG. 9, except that the un-stretchedfilm 10 a is incrementally after the folding operation 168 has foldedthe un-stretched film 10 a in half. As shown by FIG. 10, both MDintermeshing rollers 32, 34 and TD intermeshing rollers 32 b, 34 b canincrementally stretch the film 10 a to further increase the loft or popof the undulations or convolutions 22 (such as peaks 24 and valleys 26),while simultaneously further decreasing the gauge by weight.

FIG. 11 illustrates yet another manufacturing process 202 for producingan incrementally-stretched plastic bag having increased loft, reducedgauge by weight, increased strength parameters, and/or enhanced the lookand feel. The process 202 can be similar to process 160 of FIG. 9,except that multiple, folded film layer are used to form a multi-layeredbag similar to the multi-layered bag 126 shown and described in relationto FIGS. 8A and 8B. In particular, the film layers 10 a, 10 a′ arefolded in half to form c-, u-, or j-folded films prior to winding onrolls. The folded films and webs may be formed by collapsing and thencutting an annular tube of film formed using a blown film process. Inparticular, the annular tube can be cut in half to form two folded films(which are mirror images of each other). In another processes, a foldedfilm may be formed by the mechanical folding of a film. Thus, in suchimplementations, the films 10 a, 10 a′ unwound from the rolls arealready folded.

Additionally, the manufacturing process 202 illustrates that each film10 a, 10 a′ can pass through a set of intermeshing rollers 32, 34, 32′,34′ to incrementally stretch the films, while increasing the loft,reducing the gauge by weight, increasing the strength parameters, and/orenhancing the look and feel of the film or bag. In alternativeimplementations, only one of the films 10 a, 10 a′ are incrementallystretched. In still further implementation, neither of the films 10 a,10 a′ are incrementally stretched at this point and instead areincrementally stretched later during the lamination process.

In any event, the manufacturing process 202 can then include aninsertion operation 204 for inserting the folded film 10 a′ into thefolded film 10 a, or vice versa. Insertion operation 202 can combine andlaminate the folded films 10 a, 10 a′ using any of the apparatus andmethods described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/225,757 filedSep. 6, 2011 and Ser. No. 13/225,930 filed Sep. 6, 2011, each of whichare incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Additionally, FIG. 11 illustrates that the film layers 10 a, 10 a′ canthen pass through a lamination operation 206 to lightly bond or laminatethe films 10 a, 10 a′ together. Lamination operation 206 can lightlylaminate the folded films 10 a, 10 a′ together via adhesive bonding,pressure bonding, ultrasonic bonding, corona lamination, and the like.Alternatively, lamination operation can lightly laminate the foldedfilms 10 a, 10 a′ together by passing them through machine-directionring rolls, transverse-direction ring rolls, diagonal-direction ringrolls, SELF'ing rollers, embossing rollers, or other intermeshingrollers. Furthermore, the lamination operation 206 can laminate one ormore sections of the film with a first plurality of non-continuous bondsand one or more additional sections with a second plurality ofnon-continuous bonds. The second plurality of non-continuous bonds candiffer from the first plurality of non-continuous bonds. For example,the inner layer or bag can be non-continuously laminated to the outerlayer or bag using any of the methods, process, and techniques describedin U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/273,384 filed Oct. 14, 2011, thecontents of which were previously hereby incorporated by reference intheir entirety.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

We claim:
 1. A machine-direction incrementally-stretched film withincreased loft formed by stretching an un-stretched thermoplastic film,comprising: a thermoplastic material; a ribbed pattern including: aplurality of thick linear ribs extending in the transverse directionacross the machine-direction incrementally-stretched film, and aplurality of thin linear ribs extending in the transverse directionacross the machine-direction incrementally-stretched film; and aplurality of undulations extending across the film generally in thetransverse direction, wherein the plurality of undulations arepositioned within the thin linear ribs.
 2. The machine-directionincrementally-stretched film as recited in claim 1, wherein theplurality of undulations comprise alternating peaks and valleys.
 3. Themachine-direction incrementally-stretched film as recited in claim 2,wherein a loft of the peaks and valleys is greater than a starting gaugeof the un-stretched thermoplastic film.
 4. The machine-directionincrementally-stretched film as recited in claim 1, further comprisingalternating thick and thin linear ribs extending in the machinedirection.
 5. The machine-direction incrementally-stretched film asrecited in claim 1, further comprising a second film secured to themachine-direction incrementally-stretched film.
 6. The machine-directionincrementally-stretched film as recited in claim 5, further comprising aplurality of non-continuous bonds between the second film and themachine-direction incrementally-stretched film, the plurality ofnon-continuous bonds formed by one or more of ring rolling, SELFing,embossing, ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding, adhesive, orcombinations thereof.
 7. The machine-direction incrementally-stretchedfilm as recited in claim 1, further comprising a gauge by weight that isapproximately equal to or less than a first gauge by weight of theun-stretched thermoplastic film.
 8. The machine-directionincrementally-stretched film as recited in claim 1, wherein thethermoplastic material comprises one or more of polyethylene orpolypropylene.
 9. The machine-direction incrementally-stretched film asrecited in claim 8, wherein the thermoplastic material comprises linearlow density polyethylene.
 10. The machine-directionincrementally-stretched film as recited in claim 1, wherein the ribbedpattern further comprises a plurality of intermediately thick linearribs extending in the transverse direction across the machine-directionincrementally-stretched film, wherein the intermediately thick linearribs have a thickness less than the thick linear ribs, but greater thanthe thin linear ribs.
 11. The machine-direction incrementally-stretchedfilm as recited in claim 10, wherein ribbed pattern comprises arepeating pattern of a thick linear rib, a thin linear rib, aintermediately thick linear rib, and a thin linear rib.
 12. Athermoplastic bag, comprising: first and second opposing sidewallsjoined together along a first side edge, an opposite second side edge,and a bottom edge, the first and second sidewalls being un-joined alongat least a portion of their respective top edges to define an opening; aplurality of thick and thin linear ribs in at least one of the first andsecond opposing sidewalls, the thick and thin linear ribs extending inthe transverse direction; and a plurality of peaks and valleys in atleast one of the first and second sidewalls, the plurality of peaks andvalleys extending generally in the transverse direction.
 13. Thethermoplastic bag as recited by claim 12, wherein the plurality of peaksand valleys are positioned in the thin linear ribs extending in thetransverse direction.
 14. The thermoplastic bag as recited by claim 12,further comprising thick and thin linear ribs extending in the machinedirection.
 15. The thermoplastic bag as recited by claim 12, wherein aloft of the plurality of peaks and valleys is greater than a gauge ofthe thick linear ribs.
 16. The thermoplastic bag as recited by claim 12,wherein each of the first and second opposing sidewalls comprise a firstlayer and at least a second layer.
 17. The thermoplastic bag as recitedby claim 13, wherein at least a portion of the first layer isnon-continuously laminated to the second layer.
 18. The thermoplasticbag as recited by claim 12, wherein adjacent thick linear ribs areseparated by thin linear ribs.
 19. The thermoplastic bag as recited byclaim 12, further comprising a plurality of intermediately thick linearribs extending in the transverse direction across the machine-directionincrementally-stretched film, wherein the intermediately thick linearribs have a thickness less than the thick linear ribs, but greater thanthe thin linear ribs.
 20. The thermoplastic bag as recited by claim 19,wherein adjacent thick linear ribs are separated by a two thin linearribs and an intermediately thick linear rib positioned therebetween. 21.A method of creating a machine-direction incrementally-stretched filmwith one or more of increased loft, perceived strength, and an improvedtactile fee, the method comprising: providing a film of a thermoplasticmaterial; and cold machine direction ring rolling the film, therebycreating: a ribbed pattern including thick and thin linear ribsextending in the transverse direction across the film, and a pluralityof peaks and valleys extending generally in the transverse direction.22. The method as recited in claim 21, further comprising coldtransverse-direction ring rolling the film.
 23. The method as recited inclaim 21, wherein a machine direction depth-of-engagement to pitch ratioused to machine-direction ring roll the film is between about 0.5 and1.0.
 24. The method as recited in claim 21, further comprising formingthe machine-direction incrementally-stretched film into a bag.
 25. Themethod as recited in claim 21, further comprising non-continuouslylaminating at least a portion of the film to a second thermoplastic filmby a process selected from the group consisting of adhesive bonding,ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding, embossing, ring rolling, SELFing,and combinations thereof.